This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:20 Meet
- 9:30 Depart from the hotel heading to Arashiyama
- 10:10 Shopping from the Tenryu-ji parking lot to the bamboo forest
- 10:40~12:00 Bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine
- 12:30 Depart from the bamboo forest heading to Kiyomizu-dera
- 13:10~14:20 Kiyomizu-dera, heading to the main hall while shopping
- 14:40~15:20 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, lunch
- 15:45 Arrive at the hotel
What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Cover? Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Ninenzaka — A Licensed Guide's Report
For a group visiting Japan for the first time, the itinerary was left entirely to me, and I planned to show them places that capture the essence of Kyoto. The shops in Arashiyama caught the interest of the whole group, and they did a lot of shopping there. They also greatly enjoyed the bamboo grove. Kiyomizu-dera was so crowded that it was almost difficult to walk, but they took a liking to the Kiyomizu-yaki pottery I introduced and made a purchase. As some of the guests seemed tired from all the walking, I recommended lunch along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Fushimi Inari Taisha had also been included in the plan, but since the guests wished to shop around Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, we spent a long time there instead. The group let me know how much they had enjoyed everything, and we said our goodbyes.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki
Jul 9, 2026
727tessv
We had the best time in Kobe
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide Chiyuki was…
Jul 9, 2026
727tessv
We had the best time in Kobe
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our guide Chiyuki was the best part of the trip. Super earnest, so generous with her knowledge of the history and culture. The tour had a lot to cover, from the sake making area to the Kobe Herb Garden Ropeway on the opposite side of the city, all in one afternoon. Miles to cover but never once did we feel rushed. We had lovely conversations along the way and tons of pictures to take home. Last but not least, when we requested for her recommendations of Kobe beef places, she pointed us to a top notch Kobe Beef Teppanyaki option – while prudently ensuring it was a value for money experience. You are the best Chiyuki – grateful for your hospitality and gracious hosting.
Jun 21, 2026
M9524SIphilippel
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Sake tour in Kobe
Chiyuki is one of the…
Jun 21, 2026
M9524SIphilippel
Tripadvisor review: Exploring Nada Sake Breweries Kobe Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sake tour in Kobe
Chiyuki is one of the best guides I ever experienced!
Jun 16, 2026
Pinoy V
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very interesting and informative.
Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary…
Jun 16, 2026
Pinoy V
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very interesting and informative.
Chiyuki kept us informed on our itinerary and provided valuable insights on the places we visited. Never a dull moment with her as our guide. Very helpful too on our queries….
Jun 11, 2026
Sharon G
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day!!
After getting off to a rocky start our…
Jun 11, 2026
Sharon G
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
A wonderful day!!
After getting off to a rocky start our guide was wonderful! She took us to the Herb Gardens
which was fabulous and the for a Kibe beef lunch, then toured Chinatown and did some
shopping. She was a pleasure to be with! Thank you!!!